After a child was shot by another child on a Kansas City, Missouri playground, local police forces are encouraging gun owners to pick up a free gun lock.
"You've got to start from the beginning of keeping those guns safe," Captain Ryan Mills with KCPD said.
Mills says it's disheartening to think that just last year officers handed out at least 100 gun locks in the same area after a three-year-old was shot and killed in a neighboring complex.
Putting a lock on a gun is THIS easy. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/xNMQIa75SG
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) June 26, 2017
Master Police Officer Danny Chavez with the Lenexa Police Department says it's frustrating to see tragedies like this happen when there are resources out there to help prevent them.
"Children don't know the real dangers of a firearm. They don't know if it's a toy, they don't know if it's real, and they're curious, and the temptation is...when they see one, especially if there's no adult around is to play with it," Chavez said.
Mills demonstrated how easy it is to put a gun lock on a firearm, and says it's even easier to get a lock for free. Anyone can get one at local police stations. Hospitals and anti-crime organizations like Mothers In Charge also keep hundreds of them to hand out.
"You can find one somewhere, and you don't have to go to a police station. But I've got them for you. I won't ask any questions about what kind of gun you're locking up, or how many. I'll just say, here you go, thanks, and have a good day," Mills said.
Mills even says if someone is afraid to ask the police for a gun lock, have a family member or friend get one.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story said a child was shot and killed by another child. The child who was shot is listed in life-threatening condition.
